Automatic chain-cutting machine

ABSTRACT

A machine for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths and including means for feeding the chain to a cutting station, means responsive to a drive for the feeding means for generating a series of electrical impulses, and a cutting assembly located at the cutting station and being operative in response to generation of a selected number of electrical impulses for periodically cutting the chain in the predetermined lengths.

ilnited States Patent fill-afford et al. 5] Feb. 8, 1972 [54] AUTOMATICCHAIN-CUTTING 2,389,783 11/1945 l (ennedy ..83/69 MACHINE 2,465,3043/1949 Wyrick 4, [72] Inventors: Thomas J. Crafiord; Alexander I. Shilo;r i :2 Barry W. Cary, Jr, an of East t.

Providence R1. I 3,455,194 7/ l969 Burger ..83/354 X [73] Assignee:Cralford Tool 8: Die Co., Riverside, R.l. Primary Examiner-Andrew R.Juhasz Assistant Examiner-James F. Coan 22 Fl (1: Ma 7 1969 l J l e yAttorney--Salter& Michaelson [2]] Appl. No.: 822,422

[57] ABSTRACT U-S- "83/67, I Avma chine for automatically chain inpredetennined 83/354 83/369, 1 lengths and including means for feedingthe chain to a cutting station, means responsive to a drive for thefeeding means for e 0 re v- I I generating asenes of electricalimpulses, and a cutting as- 83/370 sembly located at the cutting stationand being operative in response to generation of a selected number ofelectrical im- [56] m Cited pulses for periodically cutting the chain inthe predetermined UNITED STATES PATENTS l 1 1,625,403 4/1927Stevens....., ..83/280 X 10 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures i X uao a N we Jrf/ I T E we f:\ [262 d p) I v s n- 5 :Z/

, E as START 22 l o|olol sm momma? 1U @rusE I I lololol \IEIEIIUEJI 26FEGJ ' INVENTORS THOMAS C'RAFFORD ALEXANDER I. SHILO HARRY W. CARY, JR.

ATTORNEYS SHEET 3 0F 9 INVENTORS THOMAS CRAFFORD ALEXANDER-M:

SHILO HARRY w. C ARY, JR..-

ATTORNEYS SHEET 6 OF 9 FIG.8

INVENTORS THOMAS 'CRAFFORD ALEXANDER L'SHILO HARRY W. CARY, JR.

ATTORNEYS FED FEW a sum 7 or 9 6 0 2 w o w 0 2 2 Z 2 @P1@ Mar ||11 |wh w2 a 6V0 @020 2 1 INVENTORS CRAFFORD THOMAS l. SHILO W CARY,JR. I

ALEXANDER HARRY F I 6. IO

ATTORNEYS WWEM em 3640.154

SHEET 9 [IF 9 F l (5. l3

LlJ OI LLZD.

LUOILLZO.

INVENTORS THOMAS CRAF'FORD ALEXANDER l. SHILO BY HARRY W. CARY, JR.

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ATTORNEYS AUTOMATIC CHAIN-CUTTING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to apparatus for cutting chain inpredetermined lengths and has particular application in the cutting ofrelatively small diameter wire as incorporated in a chain for use forornamental purposes. 7

The cutting of ornamental chain heretofore has been substantiallyperformed by the manual operation of a guillotinetype cutter or by apunch-press-type cutter. When cutting chain in required lengths with theguillotine-type cutter, the operator would hang a plurality of chainlengths from a bracket and would then pivot the cutter in a cuttingoperation to cut the chain in the required lengths. The cutter wasadjustable in a vertical direction in accordance with the length ofchain required. I

The punch-press-type cutter was easier for the operator to perform thecutting operation, but here again it was necessary for the operator tophysically locate a pluralityof lengths of chain in a cutting positionbelow the cutter, whereafter the operator would step on a treadle oroperate a device to sever the chain in the required lengths. It will beunderstood that such cutting devices were considerably dangerous to theoperator and posed a safety problem. Further, the requirement forphysically locating the length of chain in the cutting position requiredadditional time for the operator to perform and materially increased thecost of the finished chain.

Some efforts have been made heretofore to automatically cut ornamentalorjewelry-type chain in selected lengths, but prior to the instantinvention there was no machine available that could effectively andautomatically cut jewelry chain in desired lengths.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The automatic chain cutter embodied in thepresent invention provides for feeding of a continuous length of chainto a cutting device at which the chain is automatically severed inpredetermined lengths. In carrying out the invention, the chain isextracted from a source such as a reel or spool by a takeoff drive anddirected to feed rolls that are driven by a separately mounted motor,the feed rolls directing the chain to a cutting device. The cuttingdevice is adapted to be operated at preselected intervals depending uponthe length of chain required. In order to operate the cutting device atthe preselected intervals, an air-operated motor associated with thecutting device is responsive to the generation of a predetermined numberof electrical impulses. The electrical impulses are generated byrotatably driving an electrical contact or brush that successively makeselectrical engagement with a series of fixed contacts. As the movablebrush engages each fixed contact, an electrical impulse is generated andthe impulses so generated are sensed by a counter that has been presetto generate a signal, thereby energizing a circuit to which the motorfor the cutting device is responsive. Thus as the counter receives apredetermined number of electrical impulses, it will produce a signalthat will, in turn, cause the cutting device to be operated, therebyproducing a cutting action and a severing of the chain. By varying thespeed of the means for producing the electrical impulses, by controllingthe speed of the drive motor for the feed rollers and by arranging thecounter so as to produce a signal in accordance with a predeterminednumber of impulses, the chain can be cut in any length desired.

*Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide amachine for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic chain-cuttingmachine that includes controls that may be preset for cutting acontinuous length of material in predetermined lengths and inpredetermined batches.

Still another object is to provide an automatic chain-cutting machinethat includes means for feeding the chain to a cutting station withoutinterruption wherein the chain-cutting operation is performed, and thatfurther includes means for automatically discontinuing the operation ofthe feeding means in whereafter the machine is automaticallydeenergized.

Still another object is to provide anautomatic chain-cutting machinewherein the length of the chain cut is determined by setting a counterfor receiving a predetermined number of electrical impulses, whereinafter the predetermined number of electrical impulses have beenreceived, a cutting device is operated to sever the chain in therequired lengths.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall becomeapparent as the descriptionthereof proceeds when considered inconnection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the bestmode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. I is a'front elevational view of the automatic chaincutting machineembodied in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the machine;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the machine looking toward theright as seen in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view with parts shown in sectionillustrating the drive means for feeding the chain to the cuttingstation;

FIG. 4a is an elevational view of the guide 'member that guides thechain to the guide assembly; 4

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the timing mechanism taken along line 7-7in FIG. 8;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the timing mechanism taken along line8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the cutting assembly as it is shown inthe cutting position;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the cutting assembly similar to FIG. 9showing the cutting mechanism in the open position;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the pressure or tension device for thefeed roller;

FIG. 12 is an internal view of the impulse timer showing the electricalcontacts and wiring therefor; and

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of the control circuit of the chain-cuttingmachine embodied herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings andparticularly to FIG. I, the chain-cutting machine embodied in thepresent invention is illustrated and is generally indicatedat lll ln useof the chain-cutting machine I0, chain formed by relativelysmalldiameter wire is adapted to be cut, and such chain is normally ofthe ornamental type as used in the jewelry industry. However, it isunderstood that the chain-cutting machine as embodied herein may beemployed for automatically cutting various size chain depending upon therequirements of use thereof.

The chain-cutting machine 10 is substantially portable in that it may becarried from one location to another, although in the use thereof itwill necessarily be fixed in position because of the requirements forelectrical power and a source of compressed air, as will be described.As illustrated in FIG. I, the chain-cutting machine 10 includes acabinet or housing 12 on which a top plate or base 14 is mounted.Located on the front of the housing 12 is a panel 18 that contains thecontrols for operating the machine. In this connection, the front panel18 includes a pushbutton start switch 20 and a pushbutton stop switch.22, a motor speed control switch 24, a selector switch 26, a firstcounter 28 and a second counter 30. A discharge chute 32 extendsoutwardly through an opening 34 in the front panel 18 and directs thelengths of chain that have been cut by the device to a discharge area atthe front of the machine. Although not shown, the machine is connectedto a source of electrical power for the purpose of operating theelectrical circuit embodied in the device and for energizing theelectrical motors that are provided for feeding the chain, as will bedescribed. A conduit 36, as shown in FIG. 2, is connected to a source ofair pressure and communicates with an air motor located within thehousing shell 12, as will be described, through a shutoff valve 37 andappropriate filters located outside of the housing 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block 38 is shown mounted on the base or topplate 14. Extending upwardly from the block 38 is an arm 40, while fixedto the arm 40 and extending rearwardly with respect thereto is ahorizontal channel 41 on which the chain may be collected as will bedescribed. A bent extension 42 is also fixed to the arm 40 and extendsrearwardly, a pressure arm 44 being pivotally mounted on the extension42 at 46. Joined to the pressure arm is a rearwardly extending finger 47which is movable to engage a switch contact as will be described.Mounted on the arm 40 is a shaft 48 on which a drive roll 50 isrotatably mounted, opposed flanges 51 beingjoined to the drive roll 50.A pulley 52 is mounted on the shaft 48 on which the drive roll 50 ismounted, and a belt 56 operatively interconnects the pulley 52 to an ACmotor 53 (FIG. 13) fixed within the housing 12. It is understood thatupon energizing of the motor 53 within the housing 12, the drive roll 50will be rotated. Secured to the pressure arm 44 is a shaft 58 on which apressure roller 60 is rotatably mounted. The pressure arm 44 is biaseddownwardly in pivoted relation toward the drive roller 50 by a spring 62that interconnects the pressure arm 44 and the arm 40 by pin connections64 and 66. It is seen that the pressure roller 60 is normally biasedtoward the drive roller 50 and the chain to be cut extends between thepressure roller 60 and the drive roller 50 and normally raises theroller 60 relative to the roller 50 thereby pivoting the pressure arm 44such that the pressure finger 47 will not depress the contact itengages. The pressure roller 60 and the feed roller 48 are preferablyformed of a rubberlike material so as to protect the chain as it movestherebetween.

Fixed to the arm 40 and extending forwardly in an inclined directionwith respect thereto is a reel arm 68. Mounted for rotation at theuppermost end of the reel arm 68 is a spindle 70 that projects from thereel arm 68 in cantilever relation as illustrated in FIG. 1.Reel-adjustment collars 72 and 74 are mounted on the spindle 70 and areadjustable longitudinally with respect thereto so as to center a reel 76having a continuous length of chain wound thereon. The adjustablecollars 72 and 74 are fixed in the adjusted position on the spindle bylock screws 77 and 78. In order to restrict free movement of the reel 76as the chain is removed therefrom, a friction brake 79 is provided andis fixed to the end of the spindle 70 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thebrake 79 is split to define spaced legs 80 between which a space 81 isformed, the spindle 70 extending into the space 81 between the legs 80.A bolt 82 threadably engages the legs 80 and a spring 84 provides fortension adjustment of the bolt 82. It is understood that as the bolt 82is rotated to clamp the legs 80 around the spindle 70, the spindle willbe restricted in the movement thereof and will prevent the reel 76 fromrunning free as the chain is removed therefrom.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a length of the chain indicated at 86 extendsfrom the reel 76 between the drive roller 50 and pressure roller 60toward the rear of the machine. The chain 86 then extends around a guideroller 88 that is mounted on the lowermost end of a control arm 90, thecontrol arm in turn being pivotally interconnected to the outermost endof the extension 42. The control arm 90 includes a switch block 92 onthe uppermost end of which a mercury switch 94 is located and a thumbscrew 96 extends through the switch block 92 at the lower end thereof toeffectively lock the switch block 92 on the control arm 90. As will bedescribed, the mercury switch 94 is located in the circuit of the ACmotor 53 that drives the drive roller 50 and thus the switch 94 must betilted to close the contacts therein in order to energize the motor 53for rotating the drive roller 50 and for drawing the chain 86 from reel76. As the chain 86 extends around the roller 88, it is directed to aguide assembly 98 and then to a feed assembly generally indicated at100, the feed of the chain by the feed assembly 100 producing a tensionon the chain 86 and thereby moving the control arm 90 slightly to theright to the dotted line position a as seen in FIG. 3, whereby themercury switch is tilted to close the contacts therein for energizingthe motor 53.

In order to direct the chain 86 to the feed assembly 100, the guideassembly 98 is provided and is located vertically above the feedassembly 100. Referring to FIG. 4, the guide assembly 98 is shownincluding a bracket 104 that is mounted on a bearing block 106 that, inturn, is mounted on a mounting block 108. Mounted for rotation on thebracket 104 are vertically aligned rubber guide rollers 110 and 112,that receive the chain therebetween and thus guide the chain toward thefeed assembly 100. The guide roller 110 is fixed to a slide 113 and isalso adjustable relative thereto within a slot 114. The slide 113 ismovable within a slot 115 and is urged downwardly by a spring 116 thatis held in position by a set screw 118 that projects into the bracket104 from the upper end thereof. It is seen that the spring 116 urges theslide 113 and the roller 110 secured thereto toward the roller 112, thespring 116 exerting the required pressure on the roller 110 to retainthe chain between the guide rollers 110 and 112 and to prevent slackfrom forming in the chain during the feeding thereof.

As the chain 86 is moved to the feed assembly 100 by way of the guideassembly 98, it passes through a guide member generally indicated at 119which, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4a, includes a bracket 120 that ismounted on the bracket 104 and that extends rearwardly with respectthereto. As shown in FIG. 2, a lock nut 122 extends through the bracket120 and into the bracket 104 for locking the guide member 119 in placethereon. Extending through an opening in the bracket 120 is an elongatedsleeve 124 on an end of which a frustoconical portion 126 is formed.Extending through a central bore 128 formed in the sleeve 124 is a shaft130 having a conical portion 132 formed on the outer end thereof. Asetscrew 134 is adapted to fix the sleeve 124 in the bracket 120, and asecond setscrew 136 fixes the shaft 130 with respect to the sleeve 124.It is seen that horizontal alignment of the guide member 119 for thechain is provided by shifting the sleeve 124 relative to the bracket120, while location of the conical portion 132 with respect to theportion 126 spaces these portions apart sufficiently to accommodatevarious size chain as it is guided therebetween to the guide assembly98.

The feed assembly 100 positively feeds the continuous chain 86 to acutting assembly generally indicated at 138 that is located below thebaseplate 14 and for this purpose the feed assembly 100 includes a feedroll 140 which as shown in FIG. 6 is mounted on a shaft 142. The shaft142 extends through the bearing block 106 and is operativelyinterconnected to a shaft 144 ofa DC motor 146 through a coupling 148.The feed roller 140 is rubber coated and is mounted between opposedflanges 150 and 151, the shaft 142 extending outwardly of the flange150, and a locknut 152 being secured to a threaded portion of the shaft142 for securing the flanges 150 and 151 in place on both sides of theroller 140. It is seen that the DC motor 146, when energized, will causethe feed roller 140 to rotate and, as will be described, the feed roller140 cooperates with a tension or pressure roller 156 located adjacentthereto for feeding the chain 86 to the cutting assembly 138.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the pressure roller 156 is shown mountedon a ball bearing housing 158 that is rotatably received on a stub shaft160. The stub shaft 160 is fixed in a support plate 162 which, as willbe described, is movable relative to the bearing block 106 and themounting block 108. Fixed to the support plate 162 is a guide member 164into which a reduced end 165 of a guide pin 166 extends for securementtherein by a setscrew 168. The pin 166 extends through a suitableopening in a support block 169 that is mounted on a support member 170.The support plate 162, together with the pressure roller 156, isnormally urged toward the feed roller 140 by a plunger 172 that extendsthrough a bore in the block 169 and is loaded by a spring 174 that isheld in position in the bore in the block 169 by a cap 176. It is seenthat the normal position of the support plate 162 is toward the feedroll 140 so that the pressure roll 156 cooperates with the feed roll 140to feed the chain 86 therebetween. In order to locate the chain 86between the feed roll 140 and the pressure roll 156, the support plate162 is retracted from its loaded position by pivoting a lever 178 thatis fixed to the pin 166 by a stud 180. The comer of the lever 178adjacent to the support block 168 engages the support block as the lever178 is pivoted, the lever 178 being camrned with respect to theblock 169and thereby withdrawing the pin 166 and the support plate 162 fixedthereto relative to the feed roll 140. The pin 166 is locked in theretracted position by a lock lever 182 that is moved to its downposition as seen in FIG. 4, wherein the pressure roll 156 is held in thewithdrawn position.

As the chain 86 is fed through the feed assembly 100 by the feed roller140 and pressure roller 156 to the cutting assembly 138, it passesthrough a guide area defined by a fixed guide 183 and an adjustableguide 184 that is fixed to the support plate 162 and is movabletherewith. Fixed to the mounting block 108 by a screw 186 is the fixedguide 183 that is spaced from the adjustable guide 184 and defines athroat 190 therewith. The guides 183 and 184 project below the baseplate14 to a position just above the cutting assembly 138 and direct thechain 86 to the cutting assembly for the cutting operation. It isunderstood that when the support plate 162 is retracted by the lever 178the adjustable guide 184 is movable therewith to open the throat 190,whereby the chain may be introduced into the throat 190 between theguides 183, 184 during the starting up or loading operation. It is alsounderstood that once the chain is threaded between the feed and pressurerollers 140 and 156 and between the guides 183 and 184, the supportplate 162 is released to locate the chain in feeding relation betweenthe feed and pressure rollers and guides.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the cutting assembly 138 is illustratedand comprises a fixed cutter unit generally indicated at 192 and amovable cutter unit generally indicated at 194. The fixed cutter unitincludes a mounting block 196 that is secured to the underside of thebaseplate 14 and that has a central groove formed therein in which afixed cutter 198 is located. A slot 200 formed in the fixed cutter andan adjustment screw 202 extending into the slot 200 for engagement withthe block 196 provide for longitudinal adjustment of the cutter 198. Astop screw 204 located in the rear end of the fixed cutter 198 isadapted to engage a stop 206 formed as part of the baseplate and furtheradjustably locates the fixed cutter 198. Suitable screws 208 secure themounting block 196 to the bottom surface of the baseplate 14. Alsosecured to the underside of the baseplate 14 and spaced from themounting block 196 is a block 210 of the cutter unit 196 in which acentral groove 212 is formed for receiving a movable slide member 214.Fixed to the end of the slide member 214 adjacent to the fixed cutter198 is a cutter 216 that is movable with the slide member 214 and thatcooperates with the fixed cutter 198 to sever the chain in the requiredlengths. The slide member 214 is interconnected to a link 218 by a pin220 having a cotter pin connection 222. Spaced guide plates 224 overliethe block 210 and the marginal edges of the slide member 214 forretaining the slide member in position, while bolts 226 extend throughthe guide plates 224 for securing the guide plates and the block 210 tothe undersurface of the baseplate 14.

. The link 218 is pivotally connected to a toggle block 228 through apivot connection 238, a second toggle link 232 also being pivotallyconnected to the toggle block 228 and to a fixed bracket 233 at a pivotconnection 234. Secured to the toggle block 228 is a shaft 236 that isjoined to a piston located in an air-operated cylinder 238 havingairhose connections 240 and 242 joined thereto that communicate withopposite sides of the piston located in the cylinder. The cylinder isfixed at the rear end thereof to a bracket 244 through a pin connection245, the bracket 244 being mounted on a block 246 secured to theunderside of the baseplate 14. As will hereinafter be described, the aircylinder 238 is solenoid operated, the solenoid being energized inaccordance with a predetermined signal and in accordance with thecutting requirements of the machine to control a four-way valve thatcontrols flow of compressed air to either of the hoses 240, 242. Asfurther illustrated in FIG. 9, a microswitch 248 is mounted on theunderside of the baseplate 14 and has a push button contact 250extending outwardly therefrom for engagement by the toggle block 228.The microswitch 248 is operative to energize the solenoid that controlsthe four-way valve that introduces air into the air cylinder 238 forreturning the movable cutter 216 to the noncutting position thereof asillustrated in FIG. 10. Thus, when the cylinder 238 is operated to movethe shaft 236 to the position illustrated in FIG. 9, for producing acutting action, the toggle block 228 will engage the switch contact 250,thereby closing a circuit for operating the solenoid that controls thefour-way valve for directing compressed air to the cylinder 238, whereinthe shaft 236 is retracted to the position shown in FIG. 10, in whichposition the movable cutter 216 is retracted from the cutting area.

As mentioned hereinabove, the cutting assembly 138 as represented by thecutter units 192 and 194 is operated in accordance with a predeterminedsignal that has been established by the operator of the machine. Thesignal is obtained by generating a series of electrical impulses, theseimpulses being counted until a predetermined number is generated and thesignal thereafter initiating operation of the solenoid that controlsflow of air through the four-way valve to the cylinder 238. In order togenerate the series of electrical impulses, a timing disc 252 isprovided and is fixed to the outer end of the shaft 142 that is coupledto the DC motor shaft 144. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, a hub 254 formed aspart of the timing disc 252 is keyed directly to the shaft 142 forsecurement thereon. A spring 256 is interposed between the timing disc252 and the flange 150 of the feed roll 140 and exerts an outward forceon the timing disc 252.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a timing roller 258 is shown frictionallyengaging the timing disc 252 through urging of the spring 256 and isfixed to a timing shaft 260 mounted for rotary movement in an adjustablebearing block 262. A locknut 264 secures the timing roller 258 on theshaft 260 and a reduced end 266 of the shaft 260 projects through acentral opening in a timing wheel 268 and is fixed therein, whereby thetiming wheel 268 is rotatably driven by the frictional engagement of thetiming roller 258 with the timing disc 252. The timing wheel 268 ismounted for rotation within a recess 267 formed in a block 269 to whicha switchretaining block 271 is secured by a bolt 273. Fixed within thetiming wheel 268 and insulated from the shaft portion 266 by a washer270 is a brush holder 272 having a brush 274 located therein. A spring276 positioned in the lowermost end of the brush holder 272 positivelyurges the brush 274 to the outer position thereof. Located within therecess 267 in the interior of the block 269, as illustrated in FIG. 12,are a plurality of spaced contacts 284 that are electricallyinterconnected by a lead 286. Also located in the recess 267 but notconnected electrically to the contacts 284 is a contact 285, the contact285 being electrically connected to a lead 287. When the switchretainingblock 271 and the block 269 are joined together by the bolt 273 with thetiming wheel 268 located within the block 269, the brush 274 willsuccessively engage the contacts 284 and 285 upon rotation of the timingroller 258. Located in electrical engagement with the brush holder 272is a spring contact 288 that is mounted within the switch-retainingblock 271, the spring contact 288 being held in position within theblock 271 by a rivet 290 and making electrical contact with a lead 292that extends outwardly of the block 271. It is seen that as the timingroller 258 is rotated by the timing disc 252, the timing wheel 268 willbe rotated to cause the brush 274 to successively engage the contacts284 and contact 285. As the brush 274 engages each of the contacts 284,an electrical impulse may be generated and the impulses as generated arecounted by the counters 28 and 30. When a predetermined number ofimpulses has been generated, a circuit responsive thereto is operativeto energize the solenoid that controls the four-way valve that in turncontrols operation of the air cylinder 238, thereby producing a cuttingaction by the cutter assembly 138 for severing the chain 86 in arequired length.

As will be described, the counters 28 and 30 and the controls thereforare utilized for varying the length of chain cut. However, a fineadjustment is used in conjunction with this control to obtain theprecise length of chain, and this fine adjustment is obtained bycontrolling the speed of rotation of the timing wheel 268, therebyvarying the rate of generation of the electrical impulses. The speed ofrotation of the timing wheel 268 is varied by moving the timing roller258 in a radial direction with respect to the timing disc 252 and thisis accomplished by rotation of a micrometer dial 294 (FIGS. 3 and 7)rotatably mounted on a fixed block 295. Mounted for reciprocation on theblock 295 and movable in response to rotation of the dial 294 is a shaft296 to which a slide block 297 is secured. The slide block 297 isreceived in a channel 298 formed in a block 299, guides 300 and 301being secured to the block 299 and overlying opposite flanges of theslide block for retaining the slide block within the channel 298. Screws302 and 303 extend through the guides 300, 301 for locking them to theblock 299 and a lock screw 304 projects through a portion of the block299 for engagement with the slide block 297 for securing the slide blockin its adjusted position. As the dial 294 is rotated, the slide block297 and bearing block 262 are shifted longitudinally carrying the timingroller 258 and timing wheel assembly therewith. As the timing roller 258moves toward the axis of the timing disc 252, the speed of the rollerand its shaft 260 are increased, thereby increasing the speed ofrotation of the timing wheel 268. Since the brush 274 engages thecontacts 284 with greater frequency, the impulses generated by closingthe circuit to the contacts are increased in frequency and the length ofchain to be cut is correspondingly reduced.

In the operation of the machine, it is desirable to provide controls fordiscontinuing operation of the motor 146 that controls the drive for thefeed assembly and timing disc 252 as well as motor 53 for the drive roll50 in the event of ajam of the chain or if the chain is exhausted fromthe reel 76. Should the chain become jammed during the feed thereofthrough the drive roll 50 and pressure roll 60, a pulling action by thechain will be exerted on the roller 88 located at the bottom of thecontrol arm 90. In this event the control arm will be pulled to theright to the position shown at b in dotted lines in FIG. 3, causing apin 306 fixed to the control arm 90 to engage a switch arm 308 extendingfrom a switch 310. The switch 310 which is mounted on the extension 42is located in circuit with the motors 53 and 146 and when the arm 308 ispivoted, the switch 310 will act to deenergize these motors fordiscontinuing the operation of the machine.

As the chain 86 is fed from the reel 76 between the pressure roller 60and the feed roller 50, it lifts the arm 44 that is urged in a clockwisedirection by the spring 62. The finger 47 formed at the outermost end ofthe arm 44 engages a movable contact 312 of a switch 314, and should thematerial or chain run out from between the rollers 60 and 50, the arm 44will be pivoted to the right as seen in FIG. 3 by the spring 62 in aclockwise direction to cause the finger 47 to move the contact 312inwardly of its switch 314. This operation of the switch 314 also breaksthe circuit to the motors 53 and 146 and discontinues operation of themachine.

During operation of the machine, the AC motor 53 is intermittentlyoperated as the control arm 90 is pivoted in accordance with the demandof the chain being withdrawn from the reel 76. Since the motor 53operates independently of the motor 146, the operation thereof may bediscontinued should excessive chain accumulate as it is being withdrawnfrom the reel 76 regardless of the frequency of the cutting operation.Should more chain be withdrawn from the reel than is demanded forcutting, a slack in the chain will occur between the drive roll 50 andfeed roll 140, thereby causing the control arm to return to theinoperative position and opening the circuit in the switch 94 and motor53, The excess chain that has been withdrawn collects in the channel 41,and in the meantime the drive to the drive roll 50 is discontinued. Asthe cutting action continues and more chain is demanded, the chaincollected in the channel 41 is fed to the feed assembly until the chainis once again tensioned to pivot the control arm to the operativeposition for energizing the motor 53. The drive roller 50 is nowoperative to continue withdrawing chain from the reel 76.

OPERATION In describing the operation of the machine, reference is madeto the circuit illustrated in FIG. 13, and it will be assumed in thefirst instance that a relatively short length of chain is to be cut. Inthis instance the selector switch 26 is placed in the No. 1 position asillustrated in FIG. 1, and the chain on the 'reel 76 is threaded betweenthe feed roller 50 and pressure roller 60, around the roller 88 on thelower end of the control arm 90, above the channel 41, through the guideassembly 98 and then through the feed assembly 100 for entry between theguides 183 and 184. Prior to threading the chain as indicated, the lever182 is rotated to retract the support 162 together with the pressureroller 156 and guide 184. The throat 190 between the guide 184 and fixedguide 183 is then open for threading the chain therebetween. Once thechain is threaded, the pressure roller 156 and guide 184 are returned totheir normal positions and the circuit is then energized by pressing thestart button 20, which energizes a relay 311 that causes normally opencontact 312 to close, thereby holding in the circuit. With the contact312 closed, the DC motor 146 that rotates the timing disc and the feedroll is energized, and since the jam switch 310 and the material-moniterswitch 314 are normally closed, the circuit is complete to the remainingcomponents of the device, with the exception of the motor 53 thatcontrols the reel-feed drive roll 48. However, as the feed roll 140rotates to move the chain toward the cutter assembly 138, the chain ispulled to the right as seen in FIG. 3, thereby pivoting the control arm90 in a counterclockwise direction to close the mercury switch 94 andenergize the reelfeed motor 53. As the feed roll 140 rotates to drivethe chain toward the cutting station 138, the timing disc 252 is alsorotated, which in turn drives the timing roller 258, shaft 260 andtiming wheel 268. The location of the timing roller 258 has beenpredetermined with respect to the timing disc 252 so as to fine adjustto obtain the length of chain required. As shown in FIG. 7, the timingroller 258 is located substantially away from the axis of the timingdisc 252 and thus the shaft 260 and timing wheel 268 will be rotated ata relatively slower speed than when the timing roller 258 is locatedadjacent to the axis of the timing disc 252. This adjustment of thetiming roller will provide for a greater length of chain than when thetiming roller is closer to the axis of the timing disc 252. As thetiming wheel 268 rotates, the brush 274 makes successive contact withthe contacts 284 that are all interconnected through the lead 286 andthen with the contact 285. Referring again to FIG. 13, as the brush 274engages each of the contacts 284, a circuit is completed to counter 28by way of the lead 292 connected to the brush 274, contact F1 in theselector switch 26, line 314 and contact P in counter 28. In the samecircuit to counter 28, line 286 that joins the contacts 284 isinterconnected to contacts C I in the selector switch 26 through line316. The circuit is then complete to the counter 28 by way of line 318,contact D1 in selector switch 26, line 320 and contact N in counter 28.Thus as the brush 274 engages each of the contacts 284, a pulse isgenerated at counter 28 for energizing a relay therein. Energizing ofthe relay in counter 28 closes a circuit through the contact S, line322, contact E1 in the switch 26 and line 324 to the thyristor 326. Thethyristor 326 momentarily completes a circuit to the coil of a solenoid328 through a line 330, but is deenergized by the alternating current ofthe circuit after it generates a pulse to energize the solenoid 328. Thesolenoid 328 is operative to advance the cutter 216 in a cutting stroke,and for this purpose controls a four-way valve 332, the valve 332providing for flow of compressed air through connection 242 to the aircylinder 238. The piston in the air cylinder 238 is then advanced tocause the cutter 216 to move with respect to the fixed cutter 198thereby producing a cutting action of the chain that is located betweenthe cutters.

As the toggle block 228 of the cutting assembly 138 moves to the cuttingposition illustrated in FIG. 9, the end of the toggle block engages theswitch contact 250 that closes the switch 248. As is further shown inFIG. 13, closing of the switch 248 energizes a solenoid 334 which isalso operative to control the four-way valve 332. The four-way valve 332then applies compressed air to the air cylinder 238 through hoseconnection 240 to move the shaft 236 and the toggle block 228 togetherwith the cutter 216 to the inoperative position as illustrated in FIG.10.

It is seen that as each of the contacts 284 is engaged by the brush 274a pulse is generated in counter 28 that in turn causes the four-wayvalve 332 to operate the air cylinder for producing a cutting action.Prior to beginning the operation of the machine, counter 30, which is abatch counter, has been preset to a selected number, each numberrepresenting a length of chain that is cut. As each pulse is generatedby counter 28, it is transmitted to counter 30 and indicated. When thepredetermined number of pulses have been counted which represent thenumber of lengths of chain that have been cut, a relay in counter 30 isenergized to open the normally closed contacts WX. Since the circuit inwhich the contacts WX are located are also in circuit with relay 310 andare necessary for holding the relay contacts closed, as the circuit toWX is opened, the relay 310 is deenergized to open the contacts 312 andthereby open the circuit to the feed motor 146 and the reei'feed motor53. The operation of the machine is then discontinued.

When the indicator of the selector switch 26 is located in the No. 1position, the length of chain to be cut can be varied, as previouslymentioned, by changing the position of the timing roller 258 withrespect to the timing disc 252. This is accomplished by rotation of themicrometer dial 294. The length of the chain may also be varied somewhatby rotating the shaft 144 and timing disc 252 at various speeds. Thusthe motor speed control 24 which controls a rheostat can be operative toproduce various speeds of the motor 146 and thereby vary the length ofchain.

In order to produce considerably longer lengths of chain, the selectorswitch 26 is moved to the No. 2 position. Referring again to FIG. 13, itis seen that when the selector switch is in the No. 2 position, thecontacts 284 which are interconnected through lead 286 and line 316, aredisconnected from the circuit. Thus a pulse is produced only when thebrush 274 contacts the contact 285. A pulse is then generated by way ofthe line 287, contact A2, line 318, contact D2 and line 320 to thecounter 28. Since the pulse is generated only upon a complete revolutionof the timing wheel 268, a longer period elapses before the thyristor326 and advance solenoid 328 are energized for producing a cuttingaction. Hence a longer length of chain will be cut. As described above,when the batch counter receives a number of pulses in accordance with apredetermined setting, the relay 310 is deenergized to discontinue theoperation of the machine.

When a large length of chain is required, counter 30 is set inaccordance with the length desired, that is, according to the number ofpulses that will be required to operate the cutting assembly l38. Theselector switch is then moved to position No. 3 and in position No. 3 ofthe selector switch, the thyristor 326 cannot be fired by closing of therelay in counter 28 since contact S in counter 28 is no longer incircuit with the thyristor. Thus as each pulse is generated in counter28 it will be transferred to counter 30 by way of the contacts VX and NPrespectively. When the predetermined count is reached in counter 30, arelay is closed and the normally open contacts SU in counter 30 areclosed, thereby closing a circuit to the thyristor by way of line 336,contact E3 and. line 324. A cutting operation then takes place asdescribed above. At the same time, the normally closed contacts WX incounter 30 are opened to deenergize the relay 310 and discontinue theoperation of the machine.

What is claimed is: v

1. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predeterminedlengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding acontinuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said basefor driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means atsaid cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetemiined lengthsthereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driventhereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means forgenerating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means beingoperative in response to generation of a predetermined number ofelectrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in thepredetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chainto be cut, and means for controlling the speed of said driving means,wherein the rotational speed of said driven means is controlled to varythe frequency of generation of said electrical impulses, therebycontrolling the length of chain that is cut.

2. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predeterminedlengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding acontinuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said basefor driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means atsaid cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengthsthereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driventhereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means forgenerating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means beingoperative in response to generation of a predetermined number ofelectrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in thepredetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chainto be cut, said impulsegenerating means being responsive to saidselecting means for reducing the frequency of generation of saidimpulses for each revolution of said drive means, thereby increasing thelength of the chain to be cut.

3. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said impulse-generating meansincluding a plurality of fixed contacts, and a movable contactresponsive to rotation of said driven means for successively engagingsaid fixed contacts, said movable contact cooperating with saidselecting means when said selecting means is located in a first positionfor generating an electrical impulse upon engagement with each fixedcontact, wherein said cutting means is operable upon generation of aselected number of impulses for severing said chain.

4. In apparatus as set forth in claim 3, said driving means including adisc having a predetermined diameter, said driven means including aroller follower frictionally engaging said.

disc and being rotatably driven thereby, and means for adjusting theposition of said follower with respect to said disc, for varying therotational speed of said follower andthe frequency of the generation ofsaid electrical impulses.

5. In apparatus as set forth in claim 4, the axis of said follower beingperpendicular to the axis of said disc, so that said follower isadjustable along the radius of said disc, said follower beingoperatively connected to said movable contact to produce rotationthereof, whereby the adjustment of said follower with respect to saiddisc along the radius thereof produces a corresponding frequency ofgeneration of electrical impulses as said movable contact successivelyengages said fixed contacts.

6. ln apparatus as set forth in claim 4, means for controlling the speedof said driving means, wherein the rotational speed of said disc iscontrolled to vary the speed of rotation of said follower andconsequently the frequency of generation of said electrical impulses,thereby further controlling the length of chain that is cut.

7 ln apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths,a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuouslength of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for drivingsaid feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutoffstation for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof,means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby,means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating aseries of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative inresponse to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulsesfor periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengthsthereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, meansmounted on said base for withdrawing the continuous length of chain froma source for movement to said feeding means, said withdrawing meansbeing operated independently of said feeding means and means for sensingthe presence of said chain at said withdrawing means and fordiscontinuing operation of said apparatus when chain is not present atsaid withdrawing means, said withdrawing means including a drive rolland a pressure roll between which said chain extends, said sensing meansincluding a pivotally mounted arm on which said pressure roll is mountedand a switch, a contact of which is spaced from an end of said arm, saidpressure roll being located in a predetermined position with respect tosaid drive roll when said chain extends therebetween to maintain the endof said am in spaced relation from the switch contact, and being locatedin engagement with said driving roll in the absence of chaintherebetween to pivot the arm, thereby moving the end of said arm intocontact with said switch contact to cause the operation of saidapparatus to be discontinued.

8. ln apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predeterminedlengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding acontinuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said basefor driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means atsaid cutofi' station for severing said chain in the predeterminedlengths thereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and beingdriven thereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven meansfor generating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means beingoperative in response to generation of a predetermined number ofelectrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in thepredetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chainto be cut, means mounted on said base for withdrawing the continuouslength of chain from a source for movement of said feeding means, saidwithdrawing means being operated independently of said feeding means,said withdrawing means including opposed rollers between which saidchain is directed, a motor operatively driving one of said rollers, anda pivotal control arm having a guide roll mounted thereon forcontrolling operation of said withdrawing means, said chain extendingfrom said opposed rollers around said guide roll and to said feedingmeans, said chain being normally tensioned by said feeding means topivot said control arm to an operative position for actuating of aswitch, wherein the motor driving one of said opposed rollers isoperatively connected to a source of power and is energized during thechain-cutting operation, and a switch connectable in circuit to saidmotor that drives the opposed rollers and to the driving means for saidfeeding means, said switch having an elongated switch arm mounted forengagement by said control am when said control arm is pivoted to anovercenter position by said chain when said chain becomesjammed duringthe feed thereof from said opposed rollers to said feeding means,wherein continued operation of said feeding means causes said chain topull said control arm to the overcenter position for actuating saidswitch arm, thereby discontinuing operation of said a paratus.

9. ln apparatus or automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths,a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuouslength of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for drivingsaid feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutofi"station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof,means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby,means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating aseries of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative inresponse to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulsesfor periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengthsthereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, means formounting a source of said chain on said base, said mounting meansincluding a bracket and said source of chain including a reel on whichsaid chain is wound in a continuous length, said reel being received onsaid bracket in rotatable relation, said reel as mounted on said bracketbeing located above said feed ing means, and means for withdrawing saidchain from said reel for movement to said feeding means, saidwithdrawing means being operated independently of the means for drivingsaid feeding means, and a pivotally mounted control arm having a guideroll positioned on the lowermost end thereof, said control arm and guideroll being located rearwardly of said reel and said feeding means, saidchain extending from said directing means around said reel and then tosaid feeding means to form a loop, and switch means located at the upperend of said control arm and being disposed in circuit with the drive forsaid withdrawing means, the loop as formed by said chain as it movesaround said roll from said withdrawing means and is fed to said feedingmeans normally locating said arm such that the contacts in said switchmeans are closed to complete a circuit to said drive for the withdrawingmeans, said arm being operable when said chain is not being fed to saidfeeding means to cause said switch to break the circuit to said drivefor the withdrawing means to discontinue the operation thereof.

10. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predeterminedlengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding acontinuous length of chain to said cutofi station, means on said basefor driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means atsaid cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengthsthereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driventhereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means forgenerating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means beingoperative in response to generation of a predetermined number ofelectrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in thepredetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chainto be cut, means for mounting a source of said chain on said base, saidmounting means including a bracket and said source of chain including areel on which said chain is wound in a continuous length, said reelbeing received on said bracket in rotatable relation, said reel asmounted on said bracket being located above said feeding means, andmeans for withdrawing said chain from said reel for movement to saidfeeding means, said withdrawing means being operated independently ofthe means for driving said feeding means, an adjustable guide memberlocated adjacent to said feeding means and guiding said chain from saidwithdrawing means to said feeding means, said adjustable guide memberincluding a fixed element and a movable element, that define a guidechannel for guiding the chain therebetween, said movable element beingadjustable with respect to said fixed element to compensate fordifferent size chain, and means for adjustably centering said guide withrespect to said feeding means.

1. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative in response to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, and means for controlling the speed of said driving means, wherein the rotational speed of said driven means is controlled to vary the frequency of generation of said electrical impulses, thereby controlling the length of chain that is cut.
 2. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative in response to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, said impulse-generating means being responsive to said selecting means for reducing the frequency of generation of said impulses for each revolution of said drive means, thereby increasing the length of the chain to be cut.
 3. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said impulse-generating means including a plurality of fixed contacts, and a movable contact responsive to rotation of said driven means for successively engaging said fixed contacts, said movable contact cooperating with said selecting means when said selecting means is located in a first position for generating an electrical impulse upon engagement with each fixed contact, wherein said cutting means is operable upon generation of a selected number of impulses for severing said chain.
 4. In apparatus as set forth in claim 3, said driving means including a disc having a predetermined diameter, said driven means including a roller follower frictionally engaging said disc and being rotatably driven thereby, and means for adjusting the position of said follower with respect to said disc, for varying the rotational speed of said follower and the frequency of the generation of said electrical impulses.
 5. In apparatus as set forth in claim 4, the axis of said follower being perpendicular to the axis of said disc, so that said follower is adjustable along the radius of said disc, said follower being operatively connected to said movable contact to produce rotation thereof, whereby the adjustment of said follower with respect to said disc along the radius thereof produces a corresponding frequency of generation of electrical impulses as said movable contact successively engages said fixed contacts.
 6. In apparatus as set forth in claim 4, means for controlling the speed of said driving means, wherein the rotaTional speed of said disc is controlled to vary the speed of rotation of said follower and consequently the frequency of generation of said electrical impulses, thereby further controlling the length of chain that is cut.
 7. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative in response to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, means mounted on said base for withdrawing the continuous length of chain from a source for movement to said feeding means, said withdrawing means being operated independently of said feeding means and means for sensing the presence of said chain at said withdrawing means and for discontinuing operation of said apparatus when chain is not present at said withdrawing means, said withdrawing means including a drive roll and a pressure roll between which said chain extends, said sensing means including a pivotally mounted arm on which said pressure roll is mounted and a switch, a contact of which is spaced from an end of said arm, said pressure roll being located in a predetermined position with respect to said drive roll when said chain extends therebetween to maintain the end of said arm in spaced relation from the switch contact, and being located in engagement with said driving roll in the absence of chain therebetween to pivot the arm, thereby moving the end of said arm into contact with said switch contact to cause the operation of said apparatus to be discontinued.
 8. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative in response to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, means mounted on said base for withdrawing the continuous length of chain from a source for movement of said feeding means, said withdrawing means being operated independently of said feeding means, said withdrawing means including opposed rollers between which said chain is directed, a motor operatively driving one of said rollers, and a pivotal control arm having a guide roll mounted thereon for controlling operation of said withdrawing means, said chain extending from said opposed rollers around said guide roll and to said feeding means, said chain being normally tensioned by said feeding means to pivot said control arm to an operative position for actuating of a switch, wherein the motor driving one of said opposed rollers is operatively connected to a source of power and is energized during the chain-cutting operation, and a switch connectable in circuit to said motor that drives the opposed rollers and to the driving means for said feeding means, said switch having an elongated switch arm mounted for engagement by said control arm when said control arm is pivoted to an overcenter position by said chain when said chain becomes jammed during the feed thereof from said opposed roLlers to said feeding means, wherein continued operation of said feeding means causes said chain to pull said control arm to the overcenter position for actuating said switch arm, thereby discontinuing operation of said apparatus.
 9. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative in response to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, means for mounting a source of said chain on said base, said mounting means including a bracket and said source of chain including a reel on which said chain is wound in a continuous length, said reel being received on said bracket in rotatable relation, said reel as mounted on said bracket being located above said feeding means, and means for withdrawing said chain from said reel for movement to said feeding means, said withdrawing means being operated independently of the means for driving said feeding means, and a pivotally mounted control arm having a guide roll positioned on the lowermost end thereof, said control arm and guide roll being located rearwardly of said reel and said feeding means, said chain extending from said directing means around said reel and then to said feeding means to form a loop, and switch means located at the upper end of said control arm and being disposed in circuit with the drive for said withdrawing means, the loop as formed by said chain as it moves around said roll from said withdrawing means and is fed to said feeding means normally locating said arm such that the contacts in said switch means are closed to complete a circuit to said drive for the withdrawing means, said arm being operable when said chain is not being fed to said feeding means to cause said switch to break the circuit to said drive for the withdrawing means to discontinue the operation thereof.
 10. In apparatus for automatically cutting chain in predetermined lengths, a base, a cutoff station, means on said base for feeding a continuous length of chain to said cutoff station, means on said base for driving said feeding means at a preselected speed, cutting means at said cutoff station for severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means operatively engaging said driving means and being driven thereby, means responsive to the rotation of said driven means for generating a series of electrical impulses, said cutting means being operative in response to generation of a predetermined number of electrical impulses for periodically severing said chain in the predetermined lengths thereof, means for selecting the length of chain to be cut, means for mounting a source of said chain on said base, said mounting means including a bracket and said source of chain including a reel on which said chain is wound in a continuous length, said reel being received on said bracket in rotatable relation, said reel as mounted on said bracket being located above said feeding means, and means for withdrawing said chain from said reel for movement to said feeding means, said withdrawing means being operated independently of the means for driving said feeding means, an adjustable guide member located adjacent to said feeding means and guiding said chain from said withdrawing means to said feeding means, said adjustable guide member including a fixed element and a movable element, that define a guide channel for guiding the chain therebetween, said movable element being adjustable with respect to saiD fixed element to compensate for different size chain, and means for adjustably centering said guide with respect to said feeding means. 